CRUISING FLEET

by Kevin Cross, Fleet Captain

Cruisers outdid themselves for the 2022 Lighting of the Yachts! With clear skies and calm waters, the lights from our boats seemed to shine extra bright. Best decorated awards went to Longtail by Steve and Alyssa Methot (power) and Hula Girl by Steve Shortt and Alicia McManaman (sail). Thanks to the 30+ boats who participated in this fun club tradition and to Fillingham Yacht Sales for sponsoring.

We had a record turnout for our January 5th luncheon where we welcomed new members, enjoyed Bill Robbins’ presentation on his marine surveying experiences, and reviewed plans for our two-week Commodore’s Cruise in late April. This year’s cruise features exciting options for extended cruising to the Keys or across the Okeechobee Waterway as well as a return journey. Sign-ups for the Commodore’s Cruise opened at the meeting and can be made by contacting me at fleet.captain@spyc.org.

The Day Trippers, our smaller boat group, enjoyed a beautiful December day as they ventured across Tampa Bay to the new Finn’s Dockside Grill in Apollo Beach. In January, they tried out the new Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace. Good food, good times!

Tom and Faye Turke served as Port Directors for our January cruise-in which included a visit to the St. Pete Boat Show, our annual Vessel Safety Checks by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Blessing of the Fleet. Check back next month for photos from these events.

Our February 2nd dinner features a representative from the US Coast Guard, St. Petersburg Search and Rescue Unit. Paul and Gini Berry have organized our 2023 Commodore’s Cruise shirts and are taking orders until February 2nd. They will have sample shirts available at the meeting to help with sizing. Also at this meeting, we will hear updates on our February cruises to Carlouel YC (in three groups), our March swap with Naples YC and excursion to the April 1st Tampa Bay Lightning game. Exciting times!

• Monthly Meeting (dinner): Thurs., Feb 2nd

• Mid-week cruises to Carlouel YC in 3 groups: Feb. 8-10; Feb 15-17; Feb 22-24

•Monthly Meeting (lunch): Thurs., March 2nd

•Cruise to Naples YC: March 13-16

•Cruising Fleet Excursion to Tampa Bay Lightning Game: April 1st